What Happens To Cord Blood Stem Cells After 20 Years of Storage

Companies have only started to store cord blood for the last 20 to 25 years or so, and for cord tissue a bit less than this. Given this limited time frame of those working in the field, there is no data on how well blood or tissue stores beyond 20 years. Studies have found, however, that cord blood may be able to be stored indefinitely at liquid nitrogen temperatures (-196 degrees Celsius), and there is no evidence that it degrades over time. Research conducted by one of the foremost experts on cord blood stem cells shows that after 23.5 years of storage, there was no degradation in the cord blood samples. In terms of payments, after 20 years of storage you can prepay $1999 for another 20 years of storage. It’s common to think of the payment process like life insurance. If you pay for the initial storage and cancel after 20 years, it’s like canceling life insurance early just because you’re still living.

Studies have found, however, that cord blood may be able to be stored indefinitely at liquid nitrogen temperatures (-196 degrees Celsius), and there is no evidence that it degrades over time.

Our Quality Promise

Americord is of the highest quality in cord blood and cord tissue storage. We believe in and follow all of the best practices for cord blood and cord tissue collection and storage. These include the following:

FDA

AABB standards

State guidelines

Federal guidelines and applicable licenses

Not only are our practices safe, but we also use the only commercially available FDA-approved sterile exterior cord blood bag that is on the market and the fastest medical courier. Using these quality methods and materials, we have been able to collect up to twice as much as other cord blood banks and industry standards. A larg er amount of stem cells opens up the possibility to treat larger patients or expand treatment options for smaller patients.

Learn more about the differences and benefits of cord blood banking and cord tissue banking to know what’s best for your family plan.